Warriors in Turmoil: Players Clash with Coach Marinica Before Algeria Friendly, Sources
Tension is reportedly brewing within the Zimbabwe national football team just hours before their international friendly against Algeria in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to a Herald Zimbabwe report via Zimpapers Sports Hub, newly appointed coach Marian “Mario” Marinica is already facing resistance in camp, with divisions among players threatening to derail team harmony.
The cracks are said to have deepened since Marinica took over from Michael Nees, who had been trying to hold together a squad already split into factions during the World Cup qualifiers. Sources told The Herald that the dressing room remains fractured and that a more diplomatic approach was needed to rebuild unity before the upcoming fixtures.
Instead, insiders allege Marinica’s “brutal” style has unsettled several senior players. The Romanian coach is said to have clashed with members of the squad, including captain Marvelous Nakamba, Divine Lunga, and Emmanuel Jalai, who was reportedly embarrassed in front of teammates. There are also reports that Tawanda Chirewa could be sidelined from the Algeria match following disagreements.
The situation has been compounded by ongoing confusion over the absence of key players Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musona, and Jordan Zemura, with whispers suggesting off-field issues might be involved. Efforts to obtain official comment from ZIFA on Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful.
Adding to the unrest, players are said to be demanding that the association honour the US$5,500 per match appearance fee that was paid at the last AFCON finals.